High impact hydrometeorological events do not recognize national boundaries. Flash floods, floods, landslides and drought, in particular, give rise to multiple casualties and significant damage to livelihoods and property. In order to significantly reduce losses, communities and individuals need to become more resilient through actions that integrate weather and climate information in decision-making processes.

The present Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) with a vision “to enable society to better manage the risks and opportunities arising from climate variability and change, through the development and incorporation of science-based climate information and prediction into planning, policy and practice” carries forward and builds on the solid foundation laid by the Climate Information and Prediction Services (CLIPS) project.

Natural hazards involving weather, climate and water are a major source of death, injury and physical destruction. Over the past decade (2005-2014), 3 253 hydrometeorological hazards were reported around the world, resulting in 283 035 deaths and economic losses amounting to US$ 983 million.

WMO ranked 2014 as the hottest year on record. In 2015, the United Nations Member States will adopt three major agreements that relate to the environment. The first, in March, is in the area of disaster risk reduction. The second, in September, will promote sustainable development. The third, in December, aims to limit average global temperature increases and the resultant climate change.

Factoring weather and climate information into agricultural decision-making has optimized agricultural production in many countries. However, in developing countries – where most smallholder farms are rain-fed – access to weather and climate information to guide decision-making is limited. Governments should view such information, crucial to farmers, as a means of alleviating poverty and hunger.

A better understanding of key partners and users – and the type of information they need to prepare for and react to weather events – will increase the likelihood of success of the hydrometeorological enterprise as it works collectively to achieve its mission of saving lives and property.